Chemicals & Materials STEM OPT Jobs in Alabama
Alabama's chemicals and materials sector spans petrochemical plants along the Gulf Coast, polymer and rubber manufacturers in the Black Belt region, and specialty materials firms near Huntsville and Birmingham. F-1 students on STEM OPT will find sponsorship-active employers including Eastman Chemical, BASF, and Hyundai Steel Alabama, with Decatur, Mobile, and Montgomery among the most active hiring cities.
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INTRODUCTION
Croda is a FTSE100 organization driven around our Purpose, Smart science to improve lives™. With over 5,800 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on the research and development of novel and highly sustainable raw materials for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care sectors.
We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilize new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing marketplace. As our business looks to deliver its ambitious strategy of growth, we are looking for a Research Scientist to join our Pharma team.
You will be responsible for working on research projects involving peptide synthesis and process development. This role will provide opportunities for the scientist to work on high impact global projects, build network, work with cross functional teams (sales & marketing, analytical, production) and provide exposure to a fast paced, results driven and rewarding industrial culture.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter.
- Development of peptide synthesis processes for scale up.
- In close collaboration with other regional teams, provide timely support to both internal and external data generation projects concerning the development of peptide synthesis processes, for both the pharma and beauty care industries.
- Performance of standard organic synthesis techniques and analysis.
- Closely collaborate with external teams to support peptide projects, including technology transfer and technical support.
- Exercise technical discretion to troubleshoot experiments during the R&D phase and during process development.
- Review literature, data, prepare reports, and communicate experimental results to manager and in team meetings.
- Coordinate and execute on assigned tasks by interacting with multi-disciplinary teams across international regions and distinct businesses.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills to present work at conferences and assist the business development team in securing new business.
- Maintain and complete documentation of all experimental procedures and data, using ELN and according to company guidelines. Write material for publication when opportunities arise.
- Perform other duties necessary to the smooth and safe functioning of the laboratory: follow safe work practices, ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment calibration, laboratory facility upkeep and preventative maintenance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
At Croda, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, make a meaningful impact, and thrive.
- PhD or MS with three+ years of experience in Organic Synthesis, Chemistry, Peptide Synthesis, Natural Product synthesis, Pharmaceutical Science, or other related fields.
- Proven skills and experience with synthetic chemistry techniques, with a preference but not a requirement for peptide synthesis experience.
- A good understanding of analytical chemistry techniques, primarily UPLC / LCMS analysis but also NMR, GCMS, etc.
- Experience with scale up and process development is a plus.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and ensure on time delivery is highly desired.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present research results when called upon.
- Detail-oriented, analytical with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Track record of productivity evidenced by technical presentations, publications and/or patents.
- Ability to travel on occasion as required to other sites to support tech transfer of developed processes to the production plant, or to conferences to present work and support business development.
Don’t meet all the qualifications? We still encourage you to apply! At Croda, we believe diverse perspectives and unique experiences drive innovation and strengthen our team.
WHAT WE OFFER
Join a global organization with countless opportunities for growth and leadership.
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:
- Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, available immediately.
- Generous PTO.
- 401K Match.
- Wellness Reimbursement.
- Parental Leave.
- Career Development.
- Company paid and voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance.
- Short and long term disability.
- Paid Holidays.
LOCATION
Alabaster, AL, United States of America
Additional Information: This is an in-person position based at our Alabaster site.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email jobs@croda.com.
Croda recognises employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans. This Organization Participates in E-Verify.
STEM OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in Alabama
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in AlabamaChemicals & Materials STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals and materials companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Alabama?
Alabama has a number of chemicals and materials employers with documented sponsorship activity, including Eastman Chemical's operations in the Tennessee Valley corridor, BASF facilities serving the automotive and agricultural sectors, and Novelis aluminum rolling operations near Huntsville. Hyundai Steel Alabama and several polymer compounders in the Mobile and Decatur areas have also filed Labor Condition Applications for roles. Sponsorship patterns vary by facility size, workforce needs, and the specific role.
Which cities in Alabama have the most chemicals and materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Decatur leads in chemicals and materials activity due to its concentration of chemical manufacturing plants along the Tennessee River industrial corridor. Mobile offers opportunities tied to port-adjacent petrochemical and specialty coatings operations. Huntsville attracts advanced materials and polymer roles connected to aerospace and defense supply chains. Birmingham and Montgomery round out the list with plastics compounding, rubber products, and industrial coatings employers that have historically supported STEM OPT workers.
What types of chemicals and materials roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify must be in a STEM-designated field of study and involve practical training directly related to that field. In chemicals and materials, qualifying positions commonly include process engineer, materials scientist, R&D chemist, quality assurance engineer, polymer chemist, and environmental health and safety engineer. O*NET classifies most of these at Job Zone 4 or 5, requiring a bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related discipline.
How do I find chemicals and materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Alabama?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers with active F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history, so you can search chemicals and materials roles in Alabama without manually cross-referencing DOL disclosure data. You can filter by STEM OPT eligibility, location, and job function to surface roles at Alabama facilities in Decatur, Mobile, Huntsville, and beyond. Confirming sponsorship willingness directly with the hiring team remains an important step before applying.
Are there any Alabama-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in chemicals and materials?
Alabama does not impose state-level visa sponsorship requirements beyond federal rules, but the state's chemicals and materials sector is heavily tied to automotive, aerospace, and petrochemical supply chains, which means hiring cycles often align with capital project schedules and production ramp-ups. Many facilities in Alabama are subsidiaries of multinational corporations, which can support established global mobility programs. Workers on STEM OPT extensions must ensure their employer is E-Verify enrolled, as federal regulations require this for all STEM OPT extensions.